NFD Local 830 Firefighter Pete Chila deployed with a group of 8 members from Norwalk Fire Department, Stratford Fire Department, Westport Fire Department and Westport Police Department to Hickory, North Carolina from October 4th to October 14th to set up communications where local radios and cell phones have been knocked out from Hurricane Helene. They brought the Fairfield County Hazmat Command & Communications Unit, a regional asset that is stationed in Westport, known as "Field Comm-1" in an effort to reestablish critical data and communication links between emergency responders and local governments. The City of Norwalk also deployed a Norwalk Fire Department utility truck and ATV to help navigate roads that have been severely compromised from the damage.

During their deployment, the team completed multiple missions. Which included, splitting into two groups, and deploying to the far western points of North Carolina, nearly reaching Tennessee and Georgia. Along the way back, they visited Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and dispatch centers to ensure satellite setups were fully operational, or dismantled those that could be redeployed to other areas in need. Passing through Asheville, the team saw firsthand some of the city’s hardest-hit areas.

They worked to restore communications in Broad River, North Carolina. They adapted a mobile cell site and the Norwalk Fire Department's UTV to fit on a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter. After unloading, the equipment was hauled up the side of a mountain so they could deliver food and vital medical supplies like insulin to the local government. They then reestablished cell coverage and provided satellite phones to community officials in addition to establishing satellite-based communications to ensure local residents can stay connected and receive further assistance.

* some photos are courtesy of the Westport FD*